The Clinical Negligence team at Jones Whyte recently represented a client who underwent an appendectomy in December 2021, during which a catheter was utilised. Post-surgery, our client, referred to as Chris, experienced hematuria (blood in urine).

Certain protocols must be strictly adhered to during catheter insertion to prevent trauma or harm. At the time of the procedure, the pursuer, aged 38, displayed no signs of prostate gland enlargement or urinary symptoms. Given these circumstances, the insertion of a urinary catheter should have been routine.

In male catheterisation, before inflating the retention balloon, urine flow through the catheter must be observed, ensuring it is within the bladder. If urine does not flow spontaneously, the balloon should not be inflated, and the catheter should be flushed. Only when urine flow is confirmed, should the balloon be inflated, and the catheter connected to the bag.

Failure to follow these steps poses a risk of inflating the balloon within the prostate gland rather than the bladder, leading to injury and bleeding. Unfortunately, in this case, the balloon was inflated within the prostate gland, causing significant injury and bleeding. The pursuer still experiences occasional dysuria and urgency, requiring medication to relax the prostate.

A legal action was initiated, and a settlement outside of court was reached, amounting to £40,000.

Our client, Chris, graciously shared his experience with Jones Whyte to make others aware of what can happen and also to highlight the exceptional service provided by Senior Solicitor Chloe Stuart.

“Chloe and the team where very professional and friendly at all times and ensured I was well informed and kept in the loop throughout the process and right up to when an offer of settlement was made.

Chloe gave her professional advice at all times and ensured I had the information to make an informed decision.

I am so grateful for all the hard work put in by Chloe and the team who managed to secure settlement of more than expected.

I would highly recommend Jones Whyte and I hope I don’t have to but if I did need advice or anything again I would certainly be back in touch.“

We greatly appreciate Chris’s openness in sharing his journey with us and are committed to going above and beyond to support our clients throughout the claim process.

If you would like to find out if you have a clinical negligence claim, please reach out to our clinical negligence solicitors by filling out the form on our website. It is important you begin your claim as soon as possible, as you generally have three years to make a clinical negligence claim – this can either be from the date the treatment took place or the date you became aware the treatment was negligent.